Kyler Murray's Relationship with Cardinals Has 'Always Been Great,' Says HC Kingsbury

Arizona Cardinals head coach Kliff Kingsbury is downplaying any notion that there are problems between the organization and quarterback Kyler Murray. 

Kingsbury told reporters Tuesday that Murray's relationship with the Cardinals has "always been great."

"We're in a good place," Kingsbury said. "That’s the business side of it. I stay out of his things for the most part. But as far as our relationship, it's always been great. And we see him as the long-term future and I know he feels the same way."

Murray caused a commotion last month when he scrubbed his Instagram account of all but two pictures—one of him at the Pro Bowl and one about winning the Heisman Trophy. He also stopped following the Cardinals on the social media platform.

Around the same time, ESPN's Chris Mortensen reported the 2019 No. 1 overall pick was "frustrated" with the Cardinals and felt like he was made the scapegoat for the team's late-season struggles, culminating with a 34-11 loss to the Los Angeles Rams in the NFC Wild Card Round.

Mortensen also noted the Cardinals had "their own concerns" about Murray as a franchise quarterback, saying sources described him as "self-centered, immature and someone who points fingers."

On March 8, Murray's Instagram page was reloaded with all of the previously deleted images: 

Speaking to reporters last week, Murray didn't sound like he was looking to leave Arizona. 

"I'm an Arizona Cardinal," he said. "I've done nothing but give my all to the Cardinals and I will continue to do that, so I'm not really too worried about my future as a Cardinal."

The Cardinals have Murray under contract in 2022 and have until May 2 to exercise the fifth-year option on his rookie deal for 2023. They could sign him to a long-term extension this offseason, though there's no indication talks have happened. 

Per Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer, Murray wants a new deal to be done before the April 28 draft. The Cardinals have reportedly been content to wait until the summer to work on an extension. 

Murray has thrown for at least 3,700 yards and 20 touchdowns in each of his first three seasons. He led the Cardinals to an 11-6 record and their first playoff berth since 2015 last season.